§ 34. Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with progress in the fight against terrorism.
§ Mr. Tom KingSince 23 November a major security operation has been mounted by the Irish security forces, supported in Northern Ireland by the RUC and the Army, which has resulted in a number of important arrests and some finds of explosives and munitions.
Since I last answered questions in the House on 12 November, two civilians have died in sectarian attacks. The security forces have continued their determined and courageous work. So far this year 431 people have been charged with serious offences, including 27 with murder, while 247 weapons, approximately 18,000 rounds of ammunition and nearly 13,000 lb of explosives have been recovered.
In addition, the Garda Siochana has recovered up to the end of October 123 weapons, 10,000 rounds of ammunition and some 4,000 lb of explosives.
Recent events north and south of the border have emphasised most clearly the vital need for both Governments to co-operate closely in the defeat of terrorism throughout the island of Ireland.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current security situation following the Enniskillen bombing.
§ Mr. Tom KingSince 23 November a major security operation has been mounted by the Irish security forces, supported in Northern Ireland by the RUC and the Army, which has resulted in a number of important arrests and some finds of explosives and munitions.
269WSince I last answered questions in the House on 12 November, two civilians have died in sectarian attacks. The security forces have continued their determined and courageous work. So far this year 431 people have been charged with serious offences, including 27 with murder, while 247 weapons, approximately 18,000 rounds of ammunition and nearly 13,000 lb of explosives have been recovered.
In addition, the Garda Siochana has recovered up to the end of October 123 weapons, 10,000 rounds of ammunition and some 4,000 lb of explosives.
That does not include a product of the recent search, which I understand will be announced this afternoon. It included some 50 weapons and four bunkers which are believed to have been for storage of possible shipments.
Recent events north and south of the border have emphasised most clearly the vital need for both Governments to co-operate closely in the defeat of terrorism throughout the island of Ireland.